Sacramento White-Collar Crime Attorneys
Sacramento meeting location – by appointment only: We do NOT accept mail or service at this location.
836 57th Street, Suite 250
Sacramento, CA 95819
888-680-1745
Sacramento, California White Collar Defense Team Lead
Sacramento, California White Collar Defense Team Lead
Former Prosecutor
Sacramento, California White Collar Defense Team Lead
Every year in California, many professionals are accused of financial crimes because of mistakes, lapses in judgment, and misunderstandings of requirements. Federal white-collar cases are intrusive, complicated, and drawn out. However, the assistance of experienced counsel can make these cases manageable. Our Sacramento white-collar crime attorneys have both the knowledge and the years of experience to navigate complex financial crime matters.
At Oberheiden, P.C., our attorneys are experienced in representing those accused of white-collar crimes in both investigations and trials. Our firm hires senior-level attorneys with deep knowledge of government white-collar cases because some were also federal prosecutors at one point in their careers. We leverage our extensive experience to present a strong legal defense for our clients.
Types of White-Collar Crime Offenses in Sacramento
“White-collar crimes” are nonviolent offenses usually alleged against professionals in the course of business. At Oberheiden P.C., we have represented clients facing several different white-collar charges:
- Embezzlement
Embezzlement occurs when someone entrusted with property misappropriates it for their own financial gain. Typically, those accused of this crime are accountants, managers, or other fiduciaries like estate administrators or guardians.
- Wire or Mail Fraud
Under federal law, the government must prove several elements to secure a conviction for wire or mail fraud: (1) the creation of a scheme to defraud, (2) the intent to defraud, (3) the scheme likely would involve wire or mail communications, and (4) the wire or mail communications were actually used. The only difference between wire and mail fraud is the type of communication system used. Wire communications include using the Internet, a cell phone, or any other kind of electronic device or system. Because of the expansiveness of the definition for wire communication, federal prosecutors often bring charges of wire fraud in their white-collar cases.
- Money Laundering
Under 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1), the definition of “money laundering” is the initiation of a financial transaction knowing that the property involved in the transaction is the proceeds of an illegal activity. Notably, each financial transaction involving proceeds from an illegal activity can be a separate charge. This is particularly relevant because one money laundering tactic is called “layering,” where someone engages in multiple transactions to throw off authorities by changing the money’s location many times.
- Forgery
Federal forgery is the act of falsifying a document with the intent to defraud. Usually, this crime is associated with the forgery of signatures on checks, but it can also include other financial and legal documents.
- U.S. False Claims Act Cases
The U.S. False Claims Act (or “FCA”) imposes liability on those who knowingly submit false information to the government to defraud government programs. Typically, many FCA actions stem from whistleblower reports. There is also a civil component of the FCA for unintentional violations.
- Tax Evasion
U.S. citizens and companies owe tax reporting obligations to the IRS, and a failure to pay due federal taxes may lead to a criminal investigation. However, a criminal case of tax evasion is only successful when the government proves someone “willfully” evaded a tax owed to the government. A misunderstanding of someone’s tax liability is not enough for a tax evasion conviction. Still, it may be enough for civil tax fraud. At Oberheiden P.C., our attorneys focus on minimizing criminal exposure and addressing civil liability where possible.
Every case is unique, and this list does not have every possible white-collar crime. Some other cases include insurance fraud, insider trading, bribery, extortion, and more. By scheduling a consultation for your unique case, an attorney can explain the specifics of the federal laws that apply to your case.
Penalties for Federal Financial Crimes
Federal white-collar crimes have severe penalties, making it important to select an experienced white-collar crime attorney. Common penalties for financial crimes include:
- Imprisonment
- Probation
- Fines
- Restitution
- Forfeiture of Assets
- Loss of Professional Licenses
But these criminal penalties do not include the damage caused to your business and personal reputation. Federal white-collar crimes carry significant consequences.
Why Clients Choose Oberheiden, P.C. as Their Sacramento White-Collar Crime Attorneys
Federal prosecutors treat white-collar crimes seriously. Depending on the case’s facts and circumstances, just one forged check can result in a 20-year prison sentence under 18 U.S.C. § 471. When liberty and career are at stake, it is important to select an attorney with significant experience in white-collar defense.
Several of our attorneys worked as government prosecutors and know how the government operates in white collar investigations and cases. Our experienced team has many former U.S. Attorneys, DOJ trial attorneys, and state prosecutors who understand these cases from multiple perspectives. We also have former FBI and IRS agents who assist our experienced attorneys by conducting in-house investigations.
Additionally, Oberheiden P.C. attorneys work directly with clients, ensuring they receive consistent legal guidance as cases develop. Often, cases are not limited to Sacramento County and may involve witnesses, officials, or documents based in other parts of the country. We have a nationwide network of attorneys available to coordinate and manage multijurisdictional matters.
Contact a Sacramento Federal Criminal Defense Attorney to Schedule a Free Consultation
At Oberheiden P.C., our law office provides experienced legal representation for professionals and executives accused of criminal offenses and white collar crime charges in Sacramento and throughout California. Our white collar crime lawyers have in-depth experience handling serious crimes that fall under criminal law, including fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and tax evasion. We guide clients through every step of the legal process, helping them understand their rights, protect their best interests, and pursue a claim to minimize the impact of a criminal record on their future.
Our experienced attorneys take pride in building a strong attorney-client relationship focused on trust, communication, and results. Whether you are under investigation or already facing charges, our defense team is equipped to analyze complex financial evidence, identify weaknesses in the government’s case, and fight for a favorable resolution. At Oberheiden P.C., we combine our understanding of federal investigations with proven litigation experience to provide thorough and strategic representation for clients accused of white-collar offenses.
Facing a potential white-collar investigation or charged with a crime? For more information about our firm and to set up a free consultation about the facts of your case, send our team a message or call 888-680-1745.
